The Delta County Board on Tuesday approved several resolutions and requests, including permitting the emergency management coordinator to apply for the state’s Hazardous Materials Emergency Preparedness (HMEP) grant program. (Sophie Vogelmann | Daily Press)

ESCANABA — The Delta County Board on Tuesday approved two motions authorizing the emergency management coordinator to apply for the state’s Hazardous Materials Emergency Preparedness (HMEP) grant program, aimed at enhancing hazardous material response planning.

The board authorized the Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC), through the Emergency Management (EM) Coordinator Paul Geyer, to apply for the fiscal year (FY) 2025-26 HMEP grant through the State of Michigan.

The grant provides funding to counties for updating existing and developing new Off-Site Emergency Response Plans for facilities required to report chemical inventories under the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA). These plans are a critical component of local preparedness, ensuring coordinated and effective responses to hazardous materials incidents.

Grant funding is available to all LEPCs throughout the state. Applications for the grant program are due by March 3, 2026.

In addition to planning support, the program offers support grants of up to $1,500. In past years, the program reimbursed Delta County to assist in covering costs associated with access to the TIER II Manager System, a statewide platform used to monitor reports filed by facilities and to assist in the development of Off-Site Response Plans.

Delta County has participated in the HMEP program since at least 2020. If the FY 2025-26 application is approved by the state, Geyer will complete the required grant work throughout 2026, with final documentation typically submitted by mid-September. Grant funding is generally received later in the year.

As part of the grant submission authorization, the board approved the proposed 2026 LEPC roster for recommendation to the Michigan Citizen-Community Emergency Response Coordinating Council (MCCERCC).

In other business Tuesday, the council:

Approved a resolution authorizing the Delta County Airport Manager Ashleigh Young to be the designated, authorized signer for all airport-related contracts with the Michigan Department of Transportation, Office of Aeronautics.

Approved a request from the Delta Regional Child Advocacy Center to be approved as a qualified organization by the Michigan Gaming Control Board for the purposes of fundraising. The organization is planning a poker tournament in April that requires the license with the board’s approval.

Amended the Boardroom Usage Policy to remove the prohibition of weapons in the boardroom. Under state law, only specific locations are designated as “weapons-free zones,” such as schools, courts, hospitals, large entertainment facilities (over 2,500 seats), daycare centers and more. The boardroom does not fall within these categories, therefore the board is not permitted to prohibit weapons in that area.

Approved to fill the position of the county’s election and vital records deputy clerk. Kylee Hanson, who was recently appointed as chief deputy county clerk, previously served in the role.

Approved the board’s letter of support for Michigan House Bills 4007 and 4283, which amend energy legislation passed in 2023. The bills would classify specific Upper Peninsula reciprocating internal combustion engine (RICE) generators as “clean” and “renewable” energy sources to help maintain affordable energy and grid stability in the U.P.